Benefits to Independence 101
Promotional Materials

Benefits to Independence 101 is a self-paced curriculum that is specifically designed for individuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) who are interested in pursuing employment while maintaining their benefits. It consists of up to 19 one-hour sessions and provides comprehensive, plain-language information on Social Security work incentives, benefit protections, and strategies for achieving financial independence.

Each session in this course contains learning objectives, a video presentation, and practical activities for users to become more familiar with the resources available to them. Modules 2 and 3 also contain links to supplemental information sourced from Cornell’s Yang-Tan Institute on Employment and Disability about SSDI and SSI benefits for a more in-depth understanding of what tools and incentives exist for each benefit.

This is an exciting opportunity for consumers to learn more about their Social Security disability benefits on their own time, in their own way, while gathering tools and experience along the way.

Choose the promotional materials that work best for you below and follow the instructions for download and distribution.

Option 1: Distribute Benefits to Independence 101 Contact Cards

Instructions -

  1. Download and print the Distribute Benefits to Independence 101 Contact Card Template of your choice. Note: Benefits to Independence 101 Contact Cards are intended for print purposes only.

  2. Keep a supply of Benefits to Independence 101 contact cards at your desk, in outreach folders, and at front reception areas.

  3. Provide a card during intake, eligibility discussions, employment plan development, and anytime Social Security benefits are discussed.

  4. Briefly explain the purpose before handing it over: "This resource helps you understand how working may affect your Social Security benefits and how to make informed decisions."

  5. Encourage the individual to visit Benefits to Independence 101 directly using the information on the card.

  6. Re-offer the card at key milestones (job offer, earnings change, work incentives discussion).

Download the Distribute Benefits to Independence 101 Contact Card Templates below -

Distribute Benefits to Independence 101 Contact Card Template 1

Distribute Benefits to Independence 101 Contact Card Template 2

Distribute Benefits to Independence 101 Contact Card Template 3

Distribute Benefits to Independence 101 Contact Card Template 4

Distribute Benefits to Independence 101 Contact Card Template 5

Distribute Benefits to Independence 101 Contact Card Template 6

Option 2: Distribute Benefits to Independence 101 Flyers

Instructions -

  1. Download and print the Benefits to Independence 101 Flyers of your choice.

  2. Display flyers in high-visibility areas including lobbies, orientation rooms, resource centers, and partner locations.

  3. Include flyers in orientation packets and workshop materials.

  4. Share flyers with community partners, WorkSource centers, Independent Living Centers, and advocacy organizations.

  5. Attach the flyer to relevant outreach emails and electronic newsletters.

  6. Post the digital flyer on local office webpages and internal SharePoint pages.

  7. Replenish printed copies monthly and remove outdated versions.

Best Practice: Pair flyers with a short verbal explanation during group presentations to increase engagement.

Download the Benefits to Independence 101 Flyers below -

Benefits to Independence Flyer Version 1

Benefits to Independence Flyer Version 2

Benefits to Independence Flyer Version 3

Benefits to Independence Flyer Version 4

Option 3: Place the Benefits to Independence 101 Banner on Your Website

Instructions -

  1. Download the official Benefits to Independence 101 banner graphic from the approved DOR communications source.

  2. Place the banner in a high-visibility area of your homepage (top section, sidebar, or rotating feature banner).

  3. Ensure the banner links directly to: https://www.dor.ca.gov/Home/benefits101

  4. Add accessible alt-text: "Benefits to Independence 101 – Learn how work affects Social Security benefits."

  5. Verify that the banner displays properly on desktop and mobile devices.

  6. Test the link quarterly to confirm it remains active and directs users correctly.

  7. Coordinate with your webmaster to ensure the banner meets branding and accessibility standards (WCAG compliance).

Best Practice: Position the banner near employment or Social Security-related content for stronger engagement.

Banner Selection -

728x90 Leaderboard Banner

728 x 90 Leaderboard Banner for Benefits to Independence 101

Best for website headers and resource pages.
Alt Text: Benefits to Independence 101 – Learn how work affects Social Security benefits.
Link banner to: https://dor.ca.gov/Home/Benefits101

300x250 Resource Banner

300 x 250 Resource for Benefits to Independence 101

Ideal for sidebars and partner resource pages.
Alt Text: Benefits to Independence 101 – Learn how work affects Social Security benefits.
Link banner to: https://dor.ca.gov/Home/Benefits101

160x600 Skyscraper Banner

160 x 600 Skyscraper Banner for Benefits to Independence 101

Great for vertical sidebar placements.
Alt Text: Benefits to Independence 101 – Learn how work affects Social Security benefits.
Link banner to: https://dor.ca.gov/Home/Benefits101

Option 4: Promote the Benefits to Independence 101 Webpage on Your Website and in Your Newsletters

Instructions -

  1. Add a dedicated text link to the Benefits to Independence 101 webpage within relevant sections of your website (e.g., Services, Social Security, Employment Resources).

  2. Include a short promotional description: "Benefits to Independence 101 provides free guidance to help individuals understand how employment impacts Social Security disability benefits."

  3. Feature the webpage in monthly or quarterly electronic newsletters.

  4. Include a call to action: "Thinking about working? Learn how your benefits may be affected before you make a decision."

  5. Encourage partner organizations to include the webpage link in their newsletters and websites.

  6. Share the webpage link during presentations, workshops, and community outreach events.

  7. Track click-through rates when possible to evaluate outreach effectiveness.

Best Practice: Repeat promotion consistently. Digital visibility increases awareness over time.

Thank you for your continued support!

 

Resources

Benefits to Independence 101 Contact Directory Resource Library Meet the Team Spotlight on Social Security Newsletter Spotlight on Social Security Webinars Students Receiving Benefits Success Stories Ticket to Work Program Work Incentive Planning Services